Mascara System With Thickening Benefits

ABSTRACT

A mascara system comprising, in combination: (a) a mascara applicator comprising a substantially longitudinal stem having a major axis A and a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom, wherein at least two adjacent protrusions are spaced from one another at a distance R at the base of the stem; (b) a mascara composition comprising primary particles that are at least about 5 microns in equivalent diameter; and (c) a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The mascara applicator is a molded applicator, the distance R is from about 0.75 mm to about 3.0 mm, and at least one of the primary particles is a wax primary particle composed primarily of one or more waxes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cosmetic system containing a cosmeticcomposition comprising one or more particle types for coating the lashesin combination with a particularly designed molded applicator for use inthe cosmetic field on keratinous fibers, particularly for making up theeyelashes and eyebrows.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mascaras are a major cosmetic product of significant importance to thecosmetic industry. They are used to enhance the beauty of a person'seyes by coating the eyelashes, and in some cases, the eyebrows, toprimarily thicken, lengthen, color, curl, and define the individuallashes.

Mascaras come in a variety of forms including cakes or blocks, creams,gels, semi-solids, and low viscosity liquids. Cake mascaras wereoriginally the most popular form consisting of at least 50% soap withthe pigment mixed in with the soap cakes. With a wet brush, the mascaracould be lathered and then applied to the lashes resulting in asatisfactory smooth application, but with a thin cosmetic coating on theindividual lashes. The primary drawback was that the film on the lasheswas very water soluble and prone to smudging and running on the skinaround the perimeter of the eye. As a resolution, waxes wereincorporated into mascara compositions thereby improving theirwater-resistant properties. Unfortunately, the smoothness of theapplication was adversely affected. That is, as the viscosity of themascara formulation increased, it became increasingly harder to apply,messier, and yielded less separation of the lashes.

With the advent of mascara applicators (formerly referred to as“automatic” applicators) a means for expanding formulation options formascaras came into existence. Creams, for example, combined with atwisted metal wire brush or wand application provided a convenient useand composition that enabled the incorporation of film formers toimprove the rubbing resistance and flexibility of mascara films. Thisalso allowed a convenient implement to separate and build the lashes.Today, there are several types of mascara formulations includinganhydrous, water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, andwater-based mascaras that contain little or no oil phase. The emulsions,previously mentioned, may also be multiple emulsions for example, butnot limited to water-in-oil-in-water emulsion. Many mascaras arewater-based emulsions and contain emulsified waxes and polymers usuallywith pigments dispersed into the water phase. The water provides curlingand application properties, while the waxes and polymers create thetransfer resistant end mascara film on the lash that is colored by thepigments. Anhydrous and water-in-oil mascaras are generally referred toas waterproof mascaras, as they have superior transfer resistance,especially to water. Their high content of hydrophobic materials createsa film which contains very little materials that allow water to break upthe film and make it wear away. In the case of the water-in-oilmascaras, the internal droplets of water can deliverwater-soluble/dispersible materials that would otherwise not be able tobe incorporated into an oily phase. The water-based mascaras aretypically gelled water with a polymer to create deposition and hold ofthe lashes. These mascaras usually do not have colorants, althoughcolorants can be added in.

Consumers expect particular properties from their mascara products suchas adhesion to the lashes, lengthening/curling of the lashes, lack ofsmudging or flaking, thick lashes, and good separation of clumps oflashes. Particularly, the desire is for long, luscious, full, soft, andseparated lashes. Mascaras generally distribute a smooth and relativelythin (coating thickness) film over the eyelashes producing asatisfactory array of reasonably separated lashes that are darker andthicker than bare lashes, making the eyes more noticeably beautiful. Itis well understood that some lash clumping will naturally occur sincelashes are arranged in both rows and columns above and below one's eye.Therefore, “reasonably separated” lashes are not necessarily envisioningevery lash as a single entity. Mascara that is deemed by a user toseparate well will leave more clumps of lashes than mascara that isdeemed not to separate lashes well. Typically, the deposition of mascarahas a coating that is 5-15 microns thick. Many “volumizing” mascaras,however, are messy and clumpy and tend to clump too many lashes togetherin a thick, less separated look which gives the look of fewer lashes.

Notwithstanding the above, the present inventors have found a systemwhich combines a large particle-containing mascara composition incombination with a molded applicator that is designed in such a way asto allow large particle transfer and compositions comprising the same inaddition to sufficient lash combing. Such combination will thicken thediameter of lashes while keeping them well separated, leaving theappearance of thick, well-separated, and beautiful lashes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to provide a solution to the foregoing problems, at least oneembodiment herein disclosed herein is directed to a mascara systemcomprising, in combination, a molded, thermoplastic mascara applicatorand a mascara composition. The applicator comprises a substantiallylongitudinal stem having a major axis and a plurality of protrusionsextending therefrom. At least two adjacent protrusions are spaced fromone another at a distance of from about 0.75 mm to about 3.0 mm at thebase of the stem. The mascara composition comprises primary particlesand secondary particles. The primary particles are at least about 5microns in equivalent diameter, and at least some of the primaryparticles are pigment particles. At least some of the secondaryparticles are fibers that have a length of between about 1 micron andabout 100 microns and a length to diameter ratio of between about 3.5:1and about 500:1. The mascara composition also comprises adermatologically acceptable carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a brush according to theinvention;

FIG. 1-A is a fragment of a side view of an embodiment of a brushaccording to the invention showing differential spacing of adjacentprotrusions;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the brush of FIG. 1, taken alonglines 2-2; and

FIGS. 3 to 6 are perspective views of various embodiments of selectedprotrusions of the brush of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the protrusionhaving a depression intermediate the base of the protrusion and the endthereof.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a supportform that can be used for making the brush of the present invention byinjection molding.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional and partial view of the form shownin FIG. 8, taken along lines 9-9, and showing a cross-section of aselected protrusion-forming channel having a protuberance therein.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lines 10-10 ofFIG. 9, and showing a plan view of one embodiment of the protuberance ofthe protrusion-forming channel.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of theprotrusion-forming channels.

FIGS. 12 to 13 is a side view of an embodiment of a brush according tothe invention showing a mixture of obtuse and acutely angledprotrusions.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an embodiment of a brush according to theinvention showing the protrusions at obtuse angles.

FIG. 15 is a side view of an embodiment of a brush according to theinvention showing the protrusions at acute angles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with the claims particularly pointingout and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that thepresent invention will be better understood from the followingdescription.

As used herein, “comprising” means that other steps and ingredients canbe added. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and“consisting essentially of”. The phrase “consisting essentially of”means that the composition may include additional ingredients, but onlyif the additional ingredients do not materially alter the basic andnovel characteristics of the claimed compositions or methods.

All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of thetopical compositions of the present invention and all measurements madeare at 25° C., unless otherwise specified. All such weights as theypertain to listed ingredients are based on the active level and,therefore; do not include carriers or by-products that may be includedin commercially available materials, unless otherwise specified.

The term “specific gravity,” unless otherwise noted, is the specificgravity of the particle calculated based on the mass and volumeexhibited by the particles themselves. For example, in determining thespecific gravity of a hollow particle, the volume of the particle iscalculated using the outer-shell diameter. The specific gravity is not abulk specific gravity which includes volume contributions from voids inbetween particles. It is the average specific gravity of the individualparticles. Methods for measuring specific gravity of particles are welldisclosed in the art.

The term “make-up” refers to products that leave color on the face,including on the eyelashes, eyebrows, cheeks, lips, etc. . . .

As used herein, the term “keratinous fibers” refers particularly tomammalian (e.g., human or animal) hair such as hair on the head or body,brows and eyelashes.

“Protrusions,” as used herein, refers to surface extensions thatprotrude from the stem of the cosmetic applicator of the presentinvention. The protrusions may extend perpendicularly or at an anglerelative to the major axis A. If the protrusions are aligned in a row onthe stem, the angle of the protrusions may be the same as the angle ofthe adjacent protrusion within that row. The protrusions are intended topass between adjacent keratinous fibers as the applicator is strokedacross the keratinous fibers, particularly lashes. In the case ofmascara compositions, the primary function of protrusions is to depositmascara on the lashes and separate lashes.

The term “dermatologically-acceptable,” as used herein, means that thecompositions or components thereof so described are suitable for use incontact with mammalian keratinous tissue without undue toxicity,incompatibility, instability, allergic response, and the like.

The term “safe and effective amount” as used herein means an amount of acompound or composition sufficient to significantly induce a positivebenefit, preferably a positive keratinous tissue appearance or feelbenefit, including independently or in combinations the benefitsdisclosed herein, but low enough to avoid serious side effects, i.e., toprovide a reasonable benefit to risk ratio, within the scope of soundjudgment of the skilled artisan.

The compositions of the present invention comprise the followingingredients.

A. Applicator Brush

Conventional mascara applicators are typically composed of a stem formedby helically twist of two strands of metal wire and bristles which areradially implanted into the core and tightly held between the woundmetal strands. A principle limitation of such an applicator is that thebristles are randomly positioned and terminate at the wire strands invery close proximity to one another. Each bristle has a varying distancebetween itself and other bristles as one moves both along the length ofthe bristle or along the length of the stem.

The applicators of the present invention exhibit a substantiallylongitudinal stem having a major axis A and a plurality of protrusionsextending therefrom; wherein at least two adjacent protrusions arespaced from one another at a distance R at the base of the stem. Forexample, FIG. 1-A shows differential distances of R₁, R₂, and R₃,generically described as R. The distance R is measured from the base ofone protrusion to the base of the adjacent protrusion. This measurementincludes, but is not limited to, adjacent protrusions along the majoraxis, adjacent protrusions vertically positioned from each other,adjacent protrusions positioned diagonally from each other, or adjacentprotrusions within a circumference of each other. (FIG. 2) The presentinvention may R to be from about 0.2 mm, from about 0.5 mm, from about0.75 mm or from about 0.85 mm but no more than about 1 mm, no more thanabout 2 mm or no more than about 3 mm. The gaps between the protrusionsare engineered to allow for both good quality separation of lashes andthe transfer of large particles and compositions thereof, such as thosedescribed herein under “Composition”, from the applicator to the lashes.Additionally, the protrusions may be oriented in rows along the lengthof the stem. For example, the protrusions may be oriented such that theyare in rows substantially parallel to the major axis A, substantiallyperpendicular to the major axis A or they may be positioned radially inrelation to the major axis A.

FIG. 1 shows, generally, an embodiment of a brush 10 of the presentinvention comprising a substantially longitudinal core, or stem, 260having a longitudinal, or major, axis A, and a plurality of protrusions50 extending therefrom. Each protrusion has a base associated with thestem and a free end opposite to the base. Each protrusion has externalwalls and a longitudinal axis B oriented along the length of theprotrusion (FIG. 5). The walls of the protrusion 50 can be concave,round, planar, or convex, FIGS. 3-5.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 also has an optional stem 20 that, via anoptional locking groove 30, that can be attached to a handle (notshown). The brush 10 may be trimmed, to change the length of someprotrusions or otherwise form a particular configuration of the brush 10in a cross-section perpendicular to the major axis A. For example, FIG.2 shows that the trimming can be made to comprise an envelope curve 60of approximately triangular shape with rounded or skewed corners 70 sothat the protrusions 50 have differential lengths. The same effect canbe achieved by using a process of the present invention, and withouttrimming, as described in co-pending application to Dumler, et al.,filed Oct. 1, 2004.

In one embodiment, at least some of the protrusions 50 may have at leastone external depression 120 in their walls as described in co-pendingapplication to Dumler, et al., filed Oct. 1, 2004. These protrusions aretermed herein as “selected protrusions,” because the process of thepresent invention (described herein below) allows one to design whatprotrusions should be structured to have at least one externaldepression. The depressions of the selected protrusions can be orientedin a direction parallel to the longitudinal axes B of the protrusions,or, alternatively or additionally, can be disposed at free ends of theprotrusions.

Protrusions 50 can comprise protrusions having a generally roundcross-section (FIGS. 4 and 6), protrusions 50 b having a generallyoblong, or elongated, cross-section (FIGS. 3 and 5), or protrusionshaving any other suitable general cross-section, for example, polygonal.As used herein, the term “oblong” refers to a geometrical shape thatgenerally has unequal dimensions in two mutually perpendiculardirections. The selected protrusion can have any suitable shape in itscross-section perpendicular to the protrusion's longitudinal axis. Forexample, the selected protrusion can have a cross-section that includesoblong, polygon, circular, trapezoid, or any other shape.

The number of the depressions 120 per the selected protrusion can vary.For example, the selected protrusion can have one, two, three, four, andmore depressions 120. In the selected protrusions having more than onedepression 120, the location of the depressions may vary. For example,in the selected protrusions having two depressions 120, the depressionscan be located opposite to each other, FIGS. 3 and 5. In the selectedprotrusion having three, four, or more depressions 120, the depressionscan be spaced substantially equidistantly from one another, as viewed inthe cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B of theselected protrusion (FIGS. 3-5) or can be differentially spaced from oneanother (not shown). In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-5, thedepressions 120 extend through the entire length of the selectedprotrusion. In other embodiments, the depression or depressions 120 canextend only through a portion of the selected protrusion, as shown, forexample, in FIG. 7. The depression can extend from the base of theselected protrusion and terminate before it reaches the free end of theselected protrusion; or the depression can extend from the free end ofthe selected protrusion and terminate before it reaches the base of theselected protrusion. The embodiment may be contemplated in which theselected protrusion has more than one depression wherein at least onedepression extends through the entire length of the protrusion, and theother depression or depressions extends only through a portion of thelength of the protrusion in any manner described herein above.

The protrusions 50 may have differential lengths. In one embodiment, forexample, the lengths of the protrusions 50 may be such that the ends ofseveral protrusions consecutively disposed next to one another, asviewed in a cross-section of the brush perpendicular to the major axisA, form an imaginary line that is straight (FIG. 3, line 60). In anotherembodiment, such a line can be concave (not shown) or convex (FIG. 3,line 70). Thus, in its cross-section perpendicular to the major axis A,the brush may or may not be circumferentially symmetrical.

The protrusions 50 can be made to gradually taper from the base towardsthe free end (FIGS. 1-6). Alternatively, the protrusions 50 may have agenerally uniform thickness (with the exception of the selectedprotrusions, cross-sections of which are at least partially affected bythe longitudinal depression), or taper from the free ends towards thebases of the protrusions 50 (not shown).

In one embodiment, the ends of at least some of the protrusions 50 mayhave concave depression 110, FIG. 4. Those concave depressions 110 aredifferent and distinct from the depressions 120 in the walls of theprotrusions, for the depressions 110 in the free ends of the protrusions50 are not disposed longitudinally in relation to the longitudinal axesB of the protrusions 50. In some embodiments of the brush of the presentinvention, the selected protrusions can have both the longitudinaldepression or depressions 120 and the concave depression 110 at the freeend of the selected protrusion.

The longitudinal axes B of the protrusions 50 and the major axis A ofthe brush 10 can be mutually perpendicular. The embodiment may becontemplated when they are not mutually perpendicular, i.e., the axes Bof at least some of the protrusions 50 and the major axis A of the brush10 may form acute angles, obtuse angles, angles there between, andmixtures thereof, FIGS. 12 to 15.

The brush of the present invention can be made by using a variety oftechniques known in the art such as assembly of stacked disks,Stereolithography (SL) of suitable resins, or single/multiple part“injection molding.” Particularly, injection molding is, in essence, aprocess wherein molten plastic is deposited under pressure, or injected,into a closed form having a cavity of a desired shape, to fill thecavity, then cooled to solidify in the cavity, and then released fromthe cavity. One skilled in the art will appreciate that using theinjection molding process, it is possible to form virtually any desiredconfiguration of the protrusions, including the selected protrusions ofthe present invention. In addition, the injection molding techniqueallows one to control the length of individual protrusions, so thattrimming of the finished brush may not be needed in order to form acertain cross-sectional profile of the brush, as shown, for example, inFIG. 2.

The brush of the present invention can be made by an injection-moldingprocess, for example using a multi-component molding injection machine200, schematically shown in FIG. 8. First, a hollow stem 260 isprovided. The hollow stem 260 can be made from any suitable material,for example, plastic or resin such as polypropylene, and may include anysuitable thermoplastic or thermosetting materials. The hollow stem 260can be formed by injection-molding or any other means known in the art.As an example, in FIG. 8, the hollow stem 260 is formed and disposed inthe injection machine 200. The hollow stem 260 may comprise any suitableshape in its cross-section perpendicular to the major axis, for example,cylindrical (shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1), rectangular,triangular, circular, polygonal, or any combination thereof, or anyother shape, including irregular geometric shape (not shown).

A plurality of protrusion-forming channels 250 is provided. Theprotrusion-forming channels 250 are disposed so that their entrancesabut the hollow stem 260 in predetermined locations in which theprotrusions 50 of the brush being constructed should be disposed afterthe brush has been constructed. The overall configuration and geometryof the protrusion-forming channels 250 corresponds to the desiredoverall geometry and configuration of the brush being made. Each of theprotrusion-forming channels 250 terminates with an end and has apredetermined length. Depending on the size and length of theprotrusion-forming channels 250, the protrusion-forming channels 250 canbe made by any means known in the art, for example using conventionaldrilling techniques, laser, chemical erosion, wire electrical dischargemachine (EDM), or any other suitable means. The protrusion-formingchannels 250 can be formed, for example, by a plurality of coated plates300 (FIG. 11) disposed consecutively adjacent to one another, whereinmutually adjacent plates 300 have surface patterns that form, incombination, a desired profile of the protrusion-forming channels 250.

In accordance with the present invention, the plurality ofprotrusion-forming channels 250 may include selected protrusion-formingchannels 250 a, i.e., the channels that are structured to form theselected protrusions having at least one external depression 120thereon, as described herein above. For this purpose, each of theselected protrusion-forming channels 250 a has at least one protuberance290 therein. The protuberance or protuberances 290 can be disposed alongthe length of the selected protrusion-forming channel 250 a, at the endof the selected protrusion-forming channels 250 a, or both, depending ona desired configuration of the selected protrusion being formed.

In the next step, a second moldable material 270 is injected, underpressure, into the hollow stem, to form the protrusions (FIG. 8). Thesecond moldable material can comprise the material identical to thefirst moldable material, or, alternatively, may differ therefrom. Onlyfor the purposes for example, the second moldable material can compriseany suitable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), such as, for example,styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer. The pressureunder which the second moldable material 270 is injected should besufficient to rapture the hollow stem 260 and form perforations inlocations corresponding to the protrusion-forming channels 250 andfurther to fully fill the protrusion-forming channels 250 with thesecond moldable material 270 so that the second moldable material 270assumes the shape of the protrusion-forming channels 250. Theseperforations formed in the stem 260 serve, in effect, as spinnerets forthe second moldable material. The second moldable material 270 thatfills, under pressure, the selected protrusion-forming channels 250forms the selected protrusions that have external depressions describedherein above, the depressions being a “negative” of the protuberances290 of the selected protrusion-forming channels 250 a.

After the second moldable material 270 solidifies in theprotrusion-forming channels 250, the brush comprising the stem 260 andthe plurality of protrusions 50 extending therefrom can be released fromthe injection machine. If the plurality of plates 300 is used to formthe protrusion-forming channels 250, the plates 300 can be moved apartfrom one another, thereby releasing the formed protrusions 50.

If desired, an optional step of injecting a third moldable material 280(FIG. 8) into the hollow stem 260 to fill the stem 260, can be used.When the process is completed, the protrusions 50 are integrally boundto the third material 280 that has filled the stem 260. The thirdmoldable material can comprise a material identical to at least one ofthe first moldable material or the second moldable material, or can bechosen to be different from either the first moldable material or thesecond moldable material.

B. Composition

Compositions of the present invention are formulated such that whencombined with the applicator brush disclosed herein, will deposit athick coating of large particles, designated “primary particles” or acosmetic composition comprising the same onto keratinous fibers. In thecase of mascara compositions, such a formulation will help to improvevolume of lashes.

Preferably, compositions of the present invention have a yield point offrom about 0 Pa to about 1000 Pa, more preferably from about 25 Pa toabout 500 Pa, still more preferably from about 35 Pa to about 200 Pa.Preferably, compositions of the present invention have a viscosity offrom about 2000 centipoise to about 6000 centipoise at 25° C. at a 200ŝ-1 shear rate, more preferably from about 2500 centipoise to about 5000centipoise, still more preferably from about 3000 centipoise to about4500 centipoise.

Primary or secondary particles of the present invention may be producedfrom inorganic or organic material that is non-irritating and nontoxicfor use on keratinous fiber. The primary particles are considered largesince they are found in the present invention to be above about 5microns in equivalent diameter. Particles of the present invention aremeasured by their “equivalent diameter” wherein “equivalent diameter”includes the diameter of a circular particle or the diameter of thecircle in which the cross-section of a non-circular particle isinscribed. There are particles, however, of the present invention thatare considered primary particles even if they may initially be less than5 microns in equivalent diameter. Because some particles may increasetheir size after application to keratinous fiber, primary particlessuitable for the present invention may also comprise those particlesthat are initially less than 5 microns equivalent diameter but swell toa size greater than 5 microns in equivalent diameter by any chemical orphysical means. For example, if a mascara composition is used, particlesthat are initially less than about 5 microns in equivalent diameter maybe used but at some point after the particles are deposited onto thelashes, the particles are swelled to a size suitable for the presentinvention which is no less than about 5 microns, no less than about 10microns, or no less than about 15 microns and no more than about 100microns, no more than about 75 microns, or no more than about 50 micronsin equivalent diameter. Therefore, “primary particles that are at leastabout 5 microns” includes primary particles that are initially at leastabout 5 microns in equivalent diameter or primary particles that haveincreased to a size of at least about 5 microns in equivalent diameterby any chemical or physical means. Such dimensions will enable a mascarafilm of about 5 to about 100 microns in equivalent diameter to depositonto the lash which will provide the user with an impression ofnoticeable lashes.

The molded applicator disclosed herein is designed to transfer particlesof this magnitude from the holding vessel to the lash without filteringout or losing the particles. Such applicator will also sufficiently combor separate the lashes to achieve the desired look.

The primary particle types of the composition may be solid, hollow, orporous. When the particles employed in accordance with the presentinvention are porous particles, their range corresponds, for example, toa surface area of at least about 0.25 m2/g, at least about 0.5 m2/g, orat least about 1 m2/g. For example, microporous particles sold by DowCorning under the trade name Polytrap Q5-6603® or those sold by LCWunder the trade name Covabead LH 170® which is about 9 microns indiameter and about 170 m²/g surface area are examples of porousparticles. Primary particles of the present invention may also behydrophilic or hydrophobic. They may also be spherical, oval, ovoid,platelet, star, rod, cubic or irregularly shaped. As used herein,“irregularly shaped” is considered to be any shape that is not includedas spherical, oval, ovoid, platelet, star, rod or cubic. In order tobuild film thickness as the primary benefit on keratinous surfaces, thedimensions of the particles useful in the present invention should be atleast about 1 micron. “Dimension”, as used herein, include, but is notlimited to height, width, length, and diameter. This is intended toensure that particles of the present invention rise above the keratinoussubstrate at least 5 microns in equivalent diameter. In the case ofmascara compositions, platelets tend to be too thin and do not stackefficiently to create a thick coating of mascara on the lash. Therefore,for mascara compositions of the present invention, flat platelets as aprimary particle, while possible and useful, are a shape less desired.

The primary particles may be composed primarily of a wax or acombination of waxes. In mascara compositions, waxes are typically fromabout 0% to about 40% as a hydrophobic material that will add bulkinessto the mascara coating and hold the curl of the lashes in place. Whilethese waxes are typically emulsified or dispersed into the carriervehicle, their “particulate” nature readily breaks down when the mascarais applied from aggregated wax particles to much smaller (typically lessthan 5 microns in equivalent diameter and often indistinguishable as aparticle since they form a more continuous film) and typicallyplatelet-shaped sheets of wax that interlock together to form arelatively smooth film on the lash. Large wax particles, however,between about 5 microns to about 2000 microns in equivalent diameter canbe pre-formed, before addition to the mascara formulation, usingprocesses known in the art such as spray drying and fluidized bedprocessing. These processes atomize liquid wax and the droplets of waxquickly cool and solidify to create a small, discrete wax particle. Themelting point of the particle must be sufficiently high and the particlemust be introduced into the mascara formulation at a sufficiently lowtemperature that it does not soften due to temperature or interactionswith other materials in the formulation. The wax particle is intended toretain at least some to most of its size and shape by visual observationduring addition into the composition and during application tokeratinous fiber such that it maintains its bulkiness even after beingapplied to the keratinous fiber.

The wax particle may contain other material embedded inside of it. Thisis achieved by mixing other materials with the molten wax before it isatomized and cooled to create a solid wax particle. Example of materialsthat can be embedded inside the wax particles include, but are notlimited to pigments, preservatives, fillers, active ingredients,polymers, organic and inorganic solids, and mixtures thereof.

Waxes are defined as lipophilic fatty substances, which are solid atroom temperature (25 C), that undergo a reversible solid-liquid changeof state, with a melting point of greater than or equal to about 30° C.,and up to about 150° C., and have an anisotropic crystal organization insolid form. For example, the waxes that may be suitable for thiscomposition may have a melting point of greater than about 40° C.,greater than about 50° C., or greater than about 55° C. Waxes may beselected from the group consisting of animal waxes, vegetable waxes,mineral waxes, synthetic waxes and mixtures thereof.

The specific waxes useful in the present invention may be selected fromthe group consisting of beeswax, lanolin wax, shellac wax (animalwaxes); carnauba, candelilla, bayberry (vegetable waxes); ozokerite,ceresin (mineral waxes); paraffin, microcrystalline waxes (petroleumwaxes); polyethylene (ethylenic polymers); polyethylene homopolymers(Fischer-Tropsch waxes); C24-45 alkyl methicones (silicone waxes),insect wax, bayberry, spermaceti wax, mountain wax, rice bran wax, kapokwax, haze wax, jojoba wax, rice wax, cotton wax, Japan Wax; and mixturesthereof. Non-limiting mention may also be made of the waxes obtained bycatalytic hydrogenation of oils chosen from animal, plant, and syntheticorigins comprising at least one fatty chain chosen from linear andbranched C8-C32 fatty acids, for example hydrogenated jojoba oil,hydrogenated sunflower oil, hydrogenated caster oil, hydrogenatedcoconut oil, and hydrogenated lanolin oil,bis(1,1,1-trimethylolpropane)tetrastearate sold under the name Hest2T-4B by the company Heterene. Non-limiting mention can also be made ofsilicone waxes and fluoro waxes, and mixtures thereof.

The primary particles may also be hollow in nature. They may be hollowsuch as those that possess an external shell and at least one singleclosed cavity. Examples of materials that form an external shell for thehollow particle include homopolymers or copolymers composed of one ormore types of monomer selected from vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate,methyl vinyl ether and other vinyl based monomers, acrylic acid, acrylicacid ester, methacrylic acid, methacrylic acid ester, acrylonitrile,methacrylonitrile and other acrylic monomers, styrene, vinylidenechloride, divinylbenzene and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. Forexample, materials such as copolymers composed of two or more types ofmonomer selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or esters thereof,vinylidene chloride, acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile may be used.These polymers can be produced by crosslinking with a crosslinking agentsuch as divinylbenzene, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate andtriacrylformal. The hollow particle may contain a volatile agent, suchas a hydrocarbon (for example, isobutene) and can be prepared inaccordance with known procedures, for example those described in U.S.Pat. No. 3,615,972 and in EP patent application 0056219. There are noparticular restrictions on volatile agents, and examples includemethane, ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, isobutene, pentane,isopentane, neopentane, hexane, neohexane, heptane, acetylene and otherhydrocarbons, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane and otherhalogenated hydrocarbons and tetraalkylsilanes and other low boilingcompounds.

Primary particles of the present invention may have a specific gravityof at least about 0.02. For example, hollow particles are generallycommercially available such as the Matsumoto F-E series, which includesparticles such as the water dispersion product F-30E which is about30-60 microns in diameter and about 0.02-0.03 specific gravity. AkzoNobel also sells hollow spheres such as 551DE20d70, which is about a15-25 micron hollow sphere with a specific gravity of about0.07+/−0.006, or Expancel® 551DE80d42, which is about a 50-80 micronhollow sphere with a specific gravity of about 0.042+/−0.004. GanzChemical Company also supplies hollow spheres with a particle diameterof about 8 microns. Hollow inorganic particles are formed from inorganicmaterial such as glass encapsulating a volatile foaming agent that isgasified when heated and is produced by heating this material to swellor foam it. Alternatively, hollow inorganic powder is fly ash generatedin a process in which carbon (micropowder carbon) is incinerated. Hollowinorganic particles are commercially available and examples include 3M'sMicrosphere products which include S60HS with a specific gravity ofabout 0.6 and an average particle diameter of about 30 microns or K46with a specific gravity of about 0.46 and an average particle size ofabout 40 microns.

The particles may be comprised of one or more materials which arepolymeric in nature selected from the group consisting of thermoplasticand thermoset polymer particles. The polymers which can be used in thecontext of the present invention may have a molecular weight of fromabout 2000 to about 25,000,000 When a thermoplastic polymer particle isused, the Tg may be no less than about −150° C., specifically no lessthan about −130° C., and no more than about 300° C., specifically nomore than about 200° C. The polymer can be combined with a plasticizerto adjust the properties of the polymer. As used herein, the term“plasticizer” refers to a material applied to a given film-formingpolymer to soften or improve its flexibility. In the case of a mascaracomposition, a plasticizer may help the particle to partially deformwhen applied to lashes, creating a smoother, more flexible mascara film.

The polymeric particles of the present invention will preferably retainmuch of their shape and bulkiness once they are applied to thekeratinous fiber. For example, polymeric particles of the presentinvention may be those such as Expancel® particles, which are hard andundeformable polymeric particles. Other polymeric particles of thepresent invention may be, for example, malleable particles whose shapemay partially deform when applied to the lashes so as to allow for asmoother thick coating of composition. Polymeric particles of thepresent invention, for example, may comprise a high molecular weightdimethicone such as Dow Corning's HMW2220 or Dow Corning's 5-7137dimethicone particle emulsions.

Optionally, compositions of the present invention may compriseadditional particles, as used herein “secondary particles”, to provideother benefits such as preservation, opacity, coating smoothness, color,transfer resistance, rheological modification, lash separation, orcombinations thereof. For example, the composition may comprise pigmentparticles such as iron oxides which may be used to create a variety ofcolors including, but not limited to, black mascara film. Other examplesinclude, but are not limited to, latex particles which may be used toimpart transfer resistance to the mascara; 25 micron in equivalentdiameter platelets which may be combined with 20 micron in equivalentdiameter spherical primary particles to create a smoother mascara film;and 5 micron in equivalent diameter spherical particles which could beused to fill in void space between 40 micron in equivalent diameterprimary particles to impart a smoother mascara film.

Coatings on Particles

In addition, the surfaces of the primary or secondary particles may becoated with either chemical matter, particulates, or a combination ofboth. There are no particular restrictions on the materials that may beapplied to the surface of the particle, and materials may be selected inaccordance with the intended effect. Examples of particulate-typecoatings include, but are not limited to talc, sericite, mica, calciumcarbonate, magnesium carbonate, kaolin, boron nitride, titanium oxide,zinc oxide, iron oxide, cerium oxide, zirconium oxide and silica.Relevant examples include the MFL series of particles from Matsumoto.The 30STI material has a coating of TiO2 on a 20 micron sphere with acomposite specific gravity of about 0.2+/−0.05. The 60CA material, alsofrom Matsumoto has a coating of calcium carbonate on a 40-60 micronparticle with a composite specific gravity of about 0.13+/−0.05.Examples of chemical-based coatings include, but are not limited tolecithin, silicones, hydrocarbons, fluorinated silicones, fluorinatedhydrocarbons, organic and inorganic polymeric compounds, andamphiphillic materials. These treatments may be physical coatings orcovalently bound to the particle surface.

Volume Fraction of Particles

When used as a single-step, single formula composition, the volumefraction of the particles is considered to be the ratio of the totalcombined volume of particles in the composition to the total volume ofthe composition prior to drying on the keratinous fibers. The ratio ofparticles to total composition may be, for example, about 1:20 to about10:1, further, for example, about 1:15 to about 5:1 and further, forexample, about 1:12 to about 3:1. Moreover, when used as part of amultiple step cosmetic system comprising a pure particle composition,i.e. 100% particles and absent a carrier, the particles may be appliedas an additional layer wherein the particles are applied to the lashesas a second application step after the initial composition of thepresent invention has been applied. When such a complimentarycomposition is used, the composition may comprise 100% particles, 95%particles, 85% particles or 75% particles by total combined volume ofparticles within the composition. The remainder of the composition maycomprise a binder, for example, an oil that aids in holding theparticles together within the composition.

Dermatologically Acceptable Carrier

Compositions of the present invention may contain a dermatologicallyacceptable carrier. The carrier can be volatile or nonvolatile. Suitablecarriers are those that dissolve or uniformly disperse the particles ofthe present invention. They include, but are not limited to, water,lower alcohols (such as ethanol, isopropanol), dihydric alcohols such aspropylene and butylene glycol, polyols such as glycerin, hydroalcoholicmixtures, hydrocarbons (such as isobutane, hexane, decene, acetone,isododecane, and straight or branch chained hydrocarbons having about 8to about 20 carbon atoms), halogenated hydrocarbons (like Freon),linalool, hydrocarbon esters (such as ethyl acetate, dibutyl phthalate),volatile fluids, phenethyl pentamethyl disiloxane, methoxypropylheptamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane, chloropropyl pentamethyl disiloxane,hydroxypropyl pentamethyl disiloxane, octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane,decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane), volatile dimethicone, and mixturesthereof.

C. Optional Ingredients

The compositions of the present invention may contain numerous optionalingredients that may be added to provide additional benefits in additionto the benefits already mentioned. For example, compositions of thepresent invention may contain a preservative system to inhibitmicrobiological growth and maintain the integrity of the product. In thepresent invention, the preservative system does not have a detrimentaleffect on the composition. Optional ingredients should be suitable forapplication to mammalian skin, that is, when incorporated into thecompositions they are suitable for use in contact with human skinwithout undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic response,and the like, within the scope of sound medical or formulator'sjudgment. The CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary & Handbook, TenthEdition (2004) describes a wide variety of nonlimiting cosmetic andpharmaceutical ingredients commonly used in the skin care industry,which are suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention.

Any optional ingredients known to those skilled in the art may also beused in the invention. Examples of optional ingredients are cosmeticfillers including, but not limited to, mica, talc, nylon, polyethylene,silica, polymethacrylate, kaolin, and Teflon. Suitable cosmeticpreservatives including, but not limited to, methylparaben,propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, potassium sorbate, trisodiumEDTA, phenoxyethanol, ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, diazolidinyl urea,imidazolidinyl urea, and quatemium-15 may also be included.

The optional components useful herein can be categorized by theirtherapeutic or aesthetic benefit or their postulated mode of action.However, it is to be understood that the optional components usefulherein can in some instances provide more than one therapeutic oraesthetic benefit or operate via more than one mode of action.Therefore, classifications herein are made for the sake of convenienceand are not intended to limit the component to that particularapplication or applications listed. Suitable optional ingredients aredetailed below.

Film-Forming Polymers

Film-forming polymers may be used in the invention. The expression“film-forming” is understood to refer to a polymer system which allows afilm to be formed when it is spread on glass. Film-forming polymers ofthe present invention may be water-soluble or water-dispersiblepolymers. Examples of water-soluble polymers include, but are notlimited to, polyvinylpyrilidone and polyvinyl alcohol. Examples ofwater-dispersible polymers are ammonium acrylates copolymer andpolyurethane. The film-forming polymers can also be oil soluble. Exampleof oil soluble film-forming polymers may be, but are not limited to,trimethylsiloxysilicate, dimethicone, and hydrogenatedpolycyclopentadiene.

Pigments

Particles present in the composition may containdermatologically-acceptable pigments selected from the group consistingof inorganic pigments, organic pigments, and organic lake pigments,pearlescent pigments, and mixtures thereof. If the particle is a primaryparticle, the primary particle may be partially pigmented whilesecondary particles may wholly or partially comprise one or morepigments. When employed, the pigments are present in proportionsdepending on the color and the intensity of the color that it isintended to produce. The level of pigments in the solid portion of thecomposition may be from at least about 0.01%, at least about 1%, or atleast about 3% but no more than about 20%, no more than about 15%, or nomore than about 10%. The pigments may be surface-treated with treatmentsthat include, but are not limited to, silicones, perfluorinatedcompounds, lecithin, and amino acids.

Inorganic pigments useful in the present invention include thoseselected from the group consisting of rutile titanium dioxide, anatasetitanium dioxide (both coded in the Color Index under the reference CI77891); black, yellow and red iron oxides (CI 77499, 77492 and 77491);bismuth oxychloride (CI 77163); manganese violet (CI 77742);ultramarines (CI 77007); chromium oxide (CI 77288); chromium hydroxide(CI 77289); ferric ferrocyanide (CI 77510); zinc oxide (CI 77947); andmixtures thereof.

The organic pigments useful in the present invention include the dyesand the analogous lakes selected from the group consisting of D&C Red 6(CI 15850); D&C Red 7 (CI 15850:1); D&C Red 21 (CI 45380:2); D&C Red 22(CI 45380); D&C Red 27 (CI 45410:1); D&C Red 28 (CI 45410); D&C Red 30(CI 73360); D&C Red 33 (CI 17200); D&C Red 34 (CI 15880:1); D&C Red 36(CI 12085); D&C Orange 4 (CI 15510); D&C Orange 5 (CI 45370:1); D&COrange 11 (CI 45425); FD&C Yellow 5 (CI 19140), FD&C Yellow 6 (CI15985); D&C Yellow 10 (CI 47005); FD&C Green 3 (CI 42053); D&C Green 5(CI 61570); FD&C Blue 1 (CI 42090); Cochineal Carmine (CI 75470);Guanine (CI 75170); carbon black; and mixtures thereof.

The pearlescent pigments useful in the present invention include thoseselected from the group consisting of mica (or a similar plate-likesubstrate) coated with any of the following materials alone or incombination: titanium dioxide, bismuth oxychloride, iron oxides, ferricferrocyanide, chromium oxide, chromium hydroxide, and any organicpigment of the above-mentioned type and mixtures thereof.

Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers may also be used to assist in the stabilization of thecompositions. These emulsifiers include, but, are not necessarilylimited to soaps, phosphate esters, ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylatedfatty acids, ethoxylated fatty esters, polyol ether esters, glycerolesters, sucrose or sorbitan esters, glucose esters, potassium orDEA-cetyl phosphate, triethanolamine, fatty esters, and mixturesthereof.

Rheological Agent

One or more rheological agents may be used to alter the rheology of themascara. For example, they may be shear-thinning thickeners, i.e., anagent capable of giving the composition containing it shear-thinningbehavior, characterized in that the viscosity of the compositiondecreases when increased shear rates are applied to the composition.

Hydrophobic Conditioning Agents

The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain one ormore hydrophobic conditioning agents. For example, the weightedarithmetic mean solubility parameter of the hydrophobic conditioningagent may be less than or equal to 12. It is recognized, based on thismathematical definition of solubility parameters, that it is possible,for example, to achieve the required weighted arithmetic mean solubilityparameter, i.e., less than or equal to 12, for a hydrophobicconditioning agent comprising two or more compounds if one of thecompounds has an individual solubility parameter greater than 12.

Solubility parameters are well known to the formulation chemist ofordinary skill in the art and are routinely used as a guide fordetermining compatibilities and solubilities of materials in theformulation process.

Nonlimiting examples of hydrophobic conditioning agents include thoseselected from the group consisting of mineral oil, petrolatum, lecithin,hydrogenated lecithin, lanolin, lanolin derivatives, C7-C40 branchedchain hydrocarbons, C1-C30 alcohol esters of C1-C30 carboxylic acids,C1-C30 alcohol esters of C2-C30 dicarboxylic acids, monoglycerides ofC1-C30 carboxylic acids, diglycerides of C1-C30 carboxylic acids,triglycerides of C1-C30 carboxylic acids, ethylene glycol monoesters ofC1-C30 carboxylic acids, ethylene glycol diesters of C1-C30 carboxylicacids, propylene glycol monoesters of C1-C30 carboxylic acids, propyleneglycol diesters of C1-C30 carboxylic acids, C1-C30 carboxylic acidmonoesters and polyesters of sugars, polydialkylsiloxanes,polydiarylsiloxanes, polyalkarylsiloxanes, cylcomethicones having 3 to 9silicon atoms, vegetable oils, hydrogenated vegetable oils,polypropylene glycol C4-C20 alkyl ethers, di C8-C30 alkyl ethers,straight and branched chain hydrocarbons having from about 7 to about 40carbon atoms and combinations thereof.

Other hydrophobic conditioning agents include, but are not limited to,hydrophobic chelating agents; C1-C30 alcohol esters of C1-C30 carboxylicacids and of C2-C30 dicarboxylic acids; various C1-C30 monoesters andpolyesters of sugars and related materials; Nonvolatile silicones suchas polydialkylsiloxanes, polydiarylsiloxanes, and polyalkarylsiloxanes;Vegetable oils and hydrogenated vegetable oils; and C4-C20 alkyl ethersof polypropylene glycols, C1-C20 carboxylic acid esters of polypropyleneglycols, and di-C8-C30 alkyl ethers.

Hydrophilic Conditioning Agents

The compositions of the present invention can also include one or morehydrophilic conditioning agents. Nonlimiting examples of hydrophilicconditioning agents include those selected from the group consisting ofpolyhydric alcohols, polypropylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, ureas,pyrolidone carboxylic acids, ethoxylated and/or propoxylated C3-C6 diolsand triols, alpha-hydroxy C2-C6 carboxylic acids, ethoxylated and/orpropoxylated sugars, polyacrylic acid copolymers, sugars having up toabout 12 carbons atoms, sugar alcohols having up to about 12 carbonatoms, and mixtures thereof.

Structured Conditioning Agents

Compositions of the present invention may also include structuredconditioning agents. Suitable structured conditioning agents include,but are not limited to, vesicular structures such as ceramides,liposomes, and the like.

Coacervates

Compositions of the present invention may also include cosmetic agentsthat are coacervate-forming. For example, the coacervate-formingcosmetic benefit agent comprises a cationic polymer, an anionicsurfactant, and a dermatologically acceptable carrier for the polymerand surfactant. The cationic polymer may be selected from the groupconsisting of natural backbone quaternary ammonium polymers, syntheticbackbone quaternary ammonium polymers, natural backbone amphoteric typepolymers, synthetic backbone amphoteric type polymers, and combinationsthereof.

Vitamin Compounds

The present compositions may comprise vitamin compounds, precursors, andderivatives thereof. These vitamin compounds may be in either natural orsynthetic form. Suitable vitamin compounds include, but are not limitedto, Vitamin A (e.g., beta carotene, retinoic acid, retinol, retinoids,retinyl palmitate, retinyl proprionate, etc.), Vitamin B (e.g., niacin,niacinamide, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, etc.), Vitamin C (e.g.,ascorbic acid, etc.), Vitamin D (e.g., ergosterol, ergocalciferol,cholecalciferol, etc.), Vitamin E (e.g., tocopherol acetate, etc.), andVitamin K (e.g., phytonadione, menadione, phthiocol, etc.) compounds.

Preservatives

Suitable cosmetic preservatives including, but not limited to,methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, potassiumsorbate, trisodium EDTA, phenoxyethanol, ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol,diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-I 5 may also beincluded.

Waxes

If waxes are used as an optional component of the present invention, thewaxes are not considered a primary particle, but rather particles thatare less than about 5 microns in diameter. In such case, the particlesize is considered after the particles have been applied to the lashesin order to account for the diminution upon application. Optional waxesmay be used at levels from about 0%, from about 2% or from about 5% butno more than about 20%, no more than about 30% or no more than about 40%by weight of the composition. Waxes are defined as lipophilic fattysubstances, which are solid at room temperature (25° C.), that undergoesa reversible solid-liquid change of state, with a melting point ofgreater than or equal to about 30° C., and up to about 150° C., and havean anisotropic crystal organization in solid form. For example, thewaxes that may be suitable for this composition may have a melting pointof greater than about 40° C. or greater than about 50° C. Waxes usefulin the present invention may be selected from the group consisting ofanimal waxes, vegetable waxes, mineral waxes, synthetic waxes andmixtures thereof.

The specific waxes useful in the present invention as optionalingredients may be selected from the group consisting of beeswax,lanolin wax, shellac wax (animal waxes); carnauba, candelilla, bayberry(vegetable waxes); ozokerite, ceresin, (mineral waxes); paraffin,microcrystalline waxes (petroleum waxes); polyethylene, (ethylenicpolymers); polyethylene homopolymers (Fischer-Tropsch waxes); C24-45alkyl methicones (silicone waxes), Chinese insect waxes, rice wax, JapanWax; and mixtures thereof. Most preferred are beeswax, lanolin wax,carnauba, candelilla, ozokerite, ceresin, paraffins, microcrystallinewaxes, polyethylene, C24-45 alkyl methicones, and mixtures thereof.Non-limiting mention may also be made of the waxes obtained by catalytichydrogenation of oils chosen from animal, plant, and synthetic originscomprising at least one fatty chain chosen from linear and branchedC8-C32 fatty acids, for example hydrogenated jojoba oil, hydrogenatedsunflower oil, hydrogenated caster oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, andhydrogenated lanolin oil, bis(1,1,1-trimethylolpropane)tetrastearatesold under the name Hest 2T-4B by the company Heterene. Non-limitingmention can also be made of silicone waxes and fluoro waxes, andmixtures thereof.

Fibers

The secondary particles may also comprise fibers to allow for theimprovement of either mascara volume or lengthening of lashes. The term“fiber”, as used herein, means an object of length L and diameter D suchthat L is greater than D, wherein D is the diameter of the circle inwhich the cross section of the fiber is inscribed. For example, theratio L/D (or shape factor) may be from at least about 3.5:1 or fromabout 5:1 but no more than about 500:1 or no more than about 150:1. Thefibers that may be used in the composition may be chosen from mineraland organic fibers of synthetic or natural origin. For example, they beshort or long, individual or organized, such as being braided, andhollow or solid. They may have any shape, such as a circular orpolygonal (square, hexagonal, or octagonal) cross section, depending onthe intended specific application. For example, their ends may be bluntand/or polished to prevent injury. For example, the fibers may have alength ranging from at least about 1 micron, at least about 50 micronsor at least about 90 microns but no more than about 100 microns, no morethan about 5 mm, or no more than about 1 mm. The weight or yarn count ofthe fibers may be given in units of denier or decitex, and may representthe weight in grams per 9 km of yarn. In one embodiment, the fibers mayhave a yarn count from at least about 0.15 or from at least about 0.18but no more than about 30 denier or no more than about 18 denier.

The fibers of the present invention may be treated or untreated at thesurface, and coated or uncoated. If coated fibers are used, non-limitingmention may be made of polyamide fibers coated with copper sulphide,which may provide an anti-static effect (for example R-STAT fromRhodia), or another polymer which may enable a particular organizationof the fibers (specific surface treatment), or surface treatment, suchas color/hologram effects (Lurex fiber from Sildorex, for example).

The composition may also comprise “rigid” fibers which are initiallysubstantially straight, when placed in a dispersing medium, do notundergo a substantial change in shape, reflecting a shape that may bedescribed as still substantially straight and linear. The rigid fibersmay be chosen from fibers of a synthetic polymer chosen from polyesters,polyurethanes, acrylic polymers, polyolefins, polyamides, such asnon-aromatic polyamides, and aromatic polyimideamides.

For example, the rigid fibers may be chosen from aromatic polyimideamidefibers. Further for example, polyimideamide yarns or fibers that may beused for the compositions of the invention are described, for example,in the document from R. Pigeon and P. Allard, Chimie Macromo-lCculaireAppliquCe, 40141 (1974), pages 139-158 (No. 600), or in U.S. Pat. No.3,802,841, or in documents FR-A-2 079 785, EP-A1-0 360 728 and EP-A-0549 494.

Example 1 Oil-in-Water Mascara Composition

A mascara containing large wax particles:

Phase Raw Material Weight % A Glyceryl Monostearate 5.250 A Black IronOxide 7.250 A Disteardimonium Hectorite 2.250 A Stearic Acid 2.750 ACarnauba Wax 2.000 A Triethanolamine 1.750 A Synthetic Wax 1.500 APolyvinyl Alcohol 1.500 A Propylene Carbonate 0.750 A Lecithin 1.250 AOleic Acid 80% 1.000 B Acrylates Copolymer 5.170 B Deionized Water 40.18B Simethicone Emulsion 30% 0.200 C Xanthan Gum 0.6 C Propylene Glycol3.000 D Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer 17.79 E Ethyl Alcohol SD 40-B 1.000E Benzyl Alcohol 0.650 E Panthenol 0.280 E Phenoxyethanol 0.280 EMethylparaben 0.200 E Ethylparaben 0.200 E Propylparaben 0.100 ETrisodium EDTA 0.100 F 20 μm Polyethylene Wax Particle 3.000 TOTAL100.000

Procedure

Phase A is heated to melt the waxes and allow the pigment to bedispersed with a Cowles Blade mixer. Phase B materials are stirredtogether at ambient conditions, and Phase C materials are stirredtogether at ambient conditions and then it is added to Phase B (to gelPhase B), and the mixture is stirred and then heated to about 85 C. ThePhase A and Phases B/C are mixed together to create an oil (wax) inwater emulsion. The mixture is stirred for 15 minutes and then is cooledgradually till room temperature. During the cool down, Phases D and Eare added to the mixture and stirred in below 60 C. Phase F is sphericalpolyethylene wax particles that are prepared separately using typicalprocess known in the art such as spray drying. Phase F is added to andmixed with the mascara once the mascara has cooled down to about 25 C.

Example 2 Oil-in-Water Mascara Composition

A mascara containing large hollow particles:

Phase Raw Material Weight % A Glyceryl Monostearate 5.250 A Black IronOxide 7.250 A Disteardimonium Hectorite 2.250 A Stearic Acid 2.750 ACarnauba Wax 2.000 A Triethanolamine 1.750 A Synthetic Wax 1.500 APolyvinyl Alcohol 1.500 A Propylene Carbonate 0.750 A Lecithin 1.250 AOleic Acid 80% 1.000 B Acrylates Copolymer 5.170 B Deionized Water 41.93B Simethicone Emulsion 30% 0.200 C Xanthan Gum 0.6 C Propylene Glycol3.000 D Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer 17.79 E Ethyl Alcohol SD 40-B 1.000E Benzyl Alcohol 0.650 E Panthenol 0.280 E Phenoxyethanol 0.280 EMethylparaben 0.200 E Ethylparaben 0.200 E Propylparaben 0.100 ETrisodium EDTA 0.100 F Expancel ® DE40d60 1 Expancel ® DE20d70 0.25TOTAL 100.000

Procedure

Phase A is heated to melt the waxes and allow the pigment to bedispersed with a Cowles Blade mixer. Phase B materials are stirredtogether at ambient conditions, and Phase C materials are stirredtogether at ambient conditions and then it is added to Phase B (to gelPhase B), and the mixture is stirred and then heated to about 85 C. ThePhase A and Phases B/C are mixed together to create an oil (wax) inwater emulsion. The mixture is stirred for 15 minutes and then is cooledgradually till room temperature. During the cool down, Phases D and Eare added to the mixture and stirred in below 60 C. Phase F is sphericalhollow particles that are 40 μm and 20 μm average diameters. Phase F isadded to and mixed with the mascara once the mascara has cooled down toabout 25 C.

Example 3 Oil-in-Water Mascara Composition

A mascara containing large polymeric particles:

Phase Raw Material Weight % A Glyceryl Monostearate 7.500 A Black IronOxide 6.500 A C18-36 Acid Triglyceride 5.000 A Stearic Acid 3.750 ACarnauba Wax 2.500 A Paraffin Wax 2.500 A Tricontanyl PVP 2.000 ALecithin 2.000 A Potassium Cetyl Phosphate 1.000 A Triethanolamine 2.250B Trisodium EDTA 0.100 B Deionized Water 34.89 B Simethicone Emulsion0.200 C Ethyl Alcohol 1.000 C Benzyl Alcohol 0.650 C Panthenol 0.280 CPhenoxyethanol 0.280 C Methylparaben 0.200 C Ethylparaben 0.200 CPropylparaben 0.100 C Trisodium EDTA 0.100 D Ammonium AcrylatesCopolymer 12.000 Dow Corning HMW2220 Dimethicone 15 Emulsion TOTAL100.000

Procedure

The waxes of Phase A are heated to melt the waxes and then the pigmentis added and dispersed into the waxes. Then the Triethanolamine is addedand mixed in. Phase B materials are stirred together at ambientconditions, and then heated to the same temperature (˜90 C) as Phase A.Phase A and Phase B are combined together and mixed to homogeneity. Theyare then gradually cooled a 1 C per minute until 50 C when phase C(phase C is premixed together before-hand) is added and mixed in,followed by phase D (premixed beforehand). The mixture is mixed untilabout 40 C and then allowed to self cool gradually to ambientconditions. During the processes, the Dimethicone emulsion particles(which start as small <5 micron polymer particles) coalesce together toform polymer particles that are greater than 5 microns.

Example 4 Water Based Mascara

A mascara containing platelet particles and hollow particles:

Clear Mascara Master Formula

Phase Raw Material Weight % A Purified Water 37.00 A Carbomer 1.000 BPolyvinyl Alcohol 10 B Purified Water 28.000 C Glycerin 0.500 CImidazolidinyl Urea 0.300 C Methylparaben 0.1 C Trisodium EDTA 0.050 DEthyl Alcohol 200 Proof 5.000 E Triethanolamine 99% 2.200 E PurifiedWater 5.65 F Particle (Expancel ® DE20d70 0.200 from Expancel ®) FColorona ® Magenta 10.000 100.000

Procedure

The carbomer is gradually added to the Phase A Water and the mixture isstirred. The water in Phase B is heated to about 50° C. and then therest of phase B is slowly added and stirred in. Add the Phase Cmaterials into the Phase B and continue to mix. Phase A is then added toPhases B/C and mixed in. The batch is cooled to about ambienttemperature and then Phase D is added and mixed in. Premix the Phase Ematerials into a uniform mixture, and add it to the rest of the batch.The viscosity will thicken during this addition. Phase F is graduallyadded and the batch is stirred to create a homogeneous mixture atambient conditions.

Example 5 Anhydrous Mascara

A mascara having coated hollow particles:

PRODUCT PHASING A Tall Oil Glycerides 0.500% A PentaerythritylHydrogenated Rosinate 2.000% A Carnauba Wax 5.000% A Polyethylene Wax8.500% A Trihydroxystearin 2.500% A Propylparaben 0.100% A BHA 0.100% APhenoxyethanol 99% 0.800% A Petroleum Distillates 63.50% BDisteardimonium Hectorite 6.000% C Propylene Carbonate 2.000% D BlackIron Oxide 7.000% E Matsumoto MFL 60CA 2.000% (Calcium Carbonate coatedhollow particle)   100%

Procedure

Phase A ingredients are melted and mixed together with low shear mixing.Phase B is gradually added to the Phase A and then dispersed with highshear mixing. Phase C is then added and mixed in with high shear mixing.The Phase D is then added and dispersed with high shear mixing. Thebatch is cooled to ambient conditions and the Phase E is added and mixedin.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the term in a document incorporated herein by reference,the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mascara system comprising, in combination: (a)a molded, thermoplastic mascara applicator comprising substantiallylongitudinal stem having a major axis and a plurality of protrusionsextending therefrom, wherein at least two adjacent protrusions arespaced from one another at a distance of from about 0.75 mm to about 3.0mm at the base of the stem; and (b) a mascara composition comprising (i)pigment particles, (ii) secondary particles, wherein at least some ofthe secondary particles are fibers having a length of between about 1micron and about 100 microns and a length to diameter ratio of betweenabout 3.5:1 and about 500:1, and (iii) a dermatologically acceptablecarrier.
 2. The mascara system of claim 1, wherein at least some of thepigments particles are selected from group consisting of inorganicpigments, organic pigments, organic lake pigments and pearlescentpigments, and mixtures thereof.
 3. The mascara system of claim 2,wherein at least some of the pigment particles are black iron oxide. 4.The mascara system of claim 1, further comprising a film-formingpolymer.
 5. The mascara system of claim 4, where the film-formingpolymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrolidone,polyvinyl alcohol, ammonium acrylate copolymers, polyurethane,trimethylsiloxysilicate, dimethicone, and hydrogenatedpolycyclopentadiene.
 6. The mascara system of claim 1, wherein thefibers are organic fibers of synthetic origin.
 7. The mascara system ofclaim 6, wherein at least some of the fibers are formed from a materialselected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyurethanes,polyamides, acrylic polymers, and polyolefins.
 8. The mascara system ofclaim 1, wherein at least some of the fibers are rigid fibers.
 9. Themascara system of claim 8, wherein the fibers comprise a polyimideamide.10. The mascara system of claim 1, wherein the fibers have a yarn countof between about 0.15 and about 30 denier.
 11. The mascara system ofclaim 1, wherein the fibers are at least one of coated and treated. 12.The mascara system of claim 1, wherein the fibers have ends that are atleast one of blunt and polished.
 13. The mascara system of claim 1,wherein the fibers are hollow.
 14. The mascara system of claim 1,wherein the fibers have a circular cross section.